the final countdown

it's the day of the eve of my birthday, and 23 has been a pretty big year. let's look back, shall we? i left mtn. home for conway to go back to school, and although i haven't made it back to college yet, that was a positive step toward growing the hell up. i experienced quite a few problems with my car, my lovely lovely malibu, but like $600 and lot of headache later, girl's in as good a shape as ever (knock on wood!). my lungs kind of quit on me, and that was a mess. i'm sure you remember that. but as recently as last week it seems as though i may come out on the other side of that basically unchanged. I QUIT SMOKING which is huge news that i think my family, friends, and body all appreciate. that may be about it as far as big happenings go... maybe not that much has happened in twelve months... : )
this is the first birthday in a long time where i actually feel a whole year older. i look a little different, too. i've learned quite a bit since last september and it feels good to be turning 24. i feel like i've earned a new age for all i've put myself through and all that's been thrust upon me. i'd go into detail, but you've probably already heard my piece more than once. : ) so now it's your turn. what's the most important thing you've learned since your last birthday? c'mon, don't be shy. it won't be all about me until tomorrow. : )